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The Tarkhanov Empire #1
Kingpin's Foxglove
She needs to find the antidote...but there is no cure for love.
After a year of marriage, Elena Falcone suddenly finds herself a widow and at the mercy of Konstantin Tarkhanov, Pakhan of the Tarkhanov Bratva. Determined never to return to her hometown, Elena makes a deal with the devil: Heal a sick woman and be granted her freedom...or fail and be returned to her family.
Konstantin Tarkhanov has done whatever it takes to build his empire. Now the king of Staten Island, his power has never been greater. But one more obstacle lies ahead of him before he has everything he wants–the wild and intelligent Elena Falcone.
Caught up in a complex plot in the world of poisons and gangsters, Elena and Konstantin must overcome many adversaries all whilst dealing with the undeniable connection they share. But not everybody can be trusted and sometimes even those you love are not who they seem.
A plot-driven mafia romance, Kingpin's Foxglove ends on a cliffhanger and it sure to leave you wanting more.
After a year of marriage, Elena Falcone suddenly finds herself a widow and at the mercy of Konstantin Tarkhanov, Pakhan of the Tarkhanov Bratva. Determined never to return to her hometown, Elena makes a deal with the devil: Heal a sick woman and be granted her freedom...or fail and be returned to her family.
Konstantin Tarkhanov has done whatever it takes to build his empire. Now the king of Staten Island, his power has never been greater. But one more obstacle lies ahead of him before he has everything he wants–the wild and intelligent Elena Falcone.
Caught up in a complex plot in the world of poisons and gangsters, Elena and Konstantin must overcome many adversaries all whilst dealing with the undeniable connection they share. But not everybody can be trusted and sometimes even those you love are not who they seem.
A plot-driven mafia romance, Kingpin's Foxglove ends on a cliffhanger and it sure to leave you wanting more.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2020
278 people are currently reading
8307 people want to read
About the author
Bree Porter
13 books1,302 followersBree Porter came screaming into the world on Valentine’s Day, so she never had any choice but to be addicted to romance. Now she spends her day swooning over soulmate love and getting flagged by the government for her internet searches, all while conveniently ignoring her university assignment deadlines.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 823 reviews
May 20, 2021
THE TARKHANOV EMPIRE SERIES
#1 Kingpin's Foxglove ~ 3 stars
#2 Empress of Poisons ~ 1.5 stars
It sucks if you want to love a book, but can't. The premise alone would be a 5 stars, because...
Does that remind you of another book, because zaraa told me about Kingpin's Foxglove and it instantly gave me major The Maddest Obsession vibes and if some of you have followed me this year, then you would know that I'm literally obsessed with Christian & Gianna and when I heard that this book has all that ⤴, believe me, never in my life have I downloaded a book faster.
Additionally it has
For all the reasons above, I really wanted to love this. While I do have a couple of things that I didn't like about this book, the main problem was probably the writing. I can't exactly describe what exactly made me feel so disconnected to everything, but from the first chapter to the last chapter it made me feel a whole lot of nothing. I didn't feel any emotions reading this book, it felt like I was numb. I couldn't connect to the characters or the romance. I don't know if my already cold heart is even colder now, because winter is coming, but Kingpin's Foxglove couldn't even get a lukewarm response.
˗ˏˋ PLOT ˎˊ˗
Konstantin Tarkhanov (H) goes to Elena Falcone's (h) house to execute Thaddeo Falcone and all of his men. After the execution, Konstantin brings Elena back to his estate before wanting to fly Elena back to her family in Chicago. At the estate Elena gets to know all of Konstantin's close people in the Bratva. One of them is Tatiana, wife to Dimitiri one of Konstantin's enforcers, who is pregnant and very sick due to some mysterious illness. Elena strucks a deal with Konstantin: she will cure Tatiana's illness in exchange for her freedomand not returning to Chicago. All the while all over NY a serial killer is roaming free and kills women & children and then pulls their teeth out.
˗ˏˋ HEADACHES ˎˊ˗
➸ there were some things that didn't make sense to me AT ALL. Elena coming from the Italian mafia has no education in medicine or any other subjects, she was (like the rest of the women in mafia) treated like a trophy wife and SHE wants to find a cure for Tatiana??? How? Why? What? Konstantin as one of the most powerful mobster boss has literally access to the BEST DOCTORS and none of them knew what Tatiana's illness was, but then this 23 - year old girl with no no prior education walks in and can find a cure.. sounds about right
sorry, but I was doubting how Konstantin could survive that long that he didn't find it suspicious. doesn't he find it even a little bit shady that he hired the best doctors who couldn't find shit. i- i just want to understand.
duudeee ~ 🥴 you can not be that naive, you're the boss of a mobster gang ffs 😭
➸ at one point something happens where they need a cure, but can't go to the hospital and Elena volunteers to make that complicated cure and again I'm like ?????? are you some hidden genius? this is basically the same thing I criticise in the point before, but I'm so baffled. that's some complicated cure doctors need days to mix and Elena just learns everything in one night girl the flex okay 🤚seriously I love that Elena is not the typical mafia trophy wife and has some brain. I'm applauding Bree Porter for going that route, it was about time that women in the famiglia are more than a machine to breed. But the whole transition from being this trophy wife to a science geek/genius was not believable to me.
➸ the plot couldn't be more anticlimactic & predictable. 😬 reading maybe three chapters and it's sooo obvious who the villain of the story is and that Elena is the only one who can see it, no words. The way the "twist" was revealed was lowkey pointless, cause Elena is giving huge obvious hints throughout the book and you're just waiting for her to tell Konstantin and when it happened it was like "yo finally, why are y'all acting so surprise". As this book was more focused on the plot, it shouldn't be so predictable. The only thing that was a bit surprising was maybe the epilogue and the book ends in a huge cliffhanger.
˗ˏˋ THE RUSSIAN GENTLEMAN ˎˊ˗
some of Konstantin's actions were questionable and I don't mean the killing type of actions. One moment he can be the ruthless killer who chocked his father with a tie when he was 15 year old, but other time Konstantin exude so much big-idiot-energy that I don't know how he could survive this long 🥴 but it was still refreshing to see that a mobster boss can be so respectful towards woman and doesn't see them as sex toys and liabilities to only protect.
˗ˏˋ THE COMIC RELIEF ˎˊ˗
Roman is the best character in the whole book fight me. Roman is the annoying little brother. Roman and Elena were bickering like siblings and it was glorious. If Danika and Roman would get their own book, I'd read it.
While Kingpin's Foxglove wasn't the 5 star read I hoped it would be, I would recommend it to everyone who wants some The Maddest Obsession vibes.
#1 Kingpin's Foxglove ~ 3 stars
#2 Empress of Poisons ~ 1.5 stars
It sucks if you want to love a book, but can't. The premise alone would be a 5 stars, because...
🥀 mobster russian hero
🥀 italian widowed heroine with a personality
🥀 hero uses a russian endearment for the heroine (lyubimaya)
🥀 slowburn romance
🥀 hero longing for the heroine from afar waiting and watching while she's married to another man, all without the heroine knowing
Does that remind you of another book, because zaraa told me about Kingpin's Foxglove and it instantly gave me major The Maddest Obsession vibes and if some of you have followed me this year, then you would know that I'm literally obsessed with Christian & Gianna and when I heard that this book has all that ⤴, believe me, never in my life have I downloaded a book faster.
Additionally it has
⚜️ such a beautiful cover!! isn't it beautifully haunting!? like the cover wants to kill you, but I'd let it
⚜️ close knitted friend group. The Tarkhanov family is not family by blood, but they are loyal and would do everything for each other. The side characters are great!
⚜️ there is a very cute kid who is adorable as hell (the kid is not from the main characters, but from one of the side couples)
⚜️ this is such a minor detail, but Kingpin's Foxglove is such a badass title... it's creative and unique and not one of the generic titles that we see all time
For all the reasons above, I really wanted to love this. While I do have a couple of things that I didn't like about this book, the main problem was probably the writing. I can't exactly describe what exactly made me feel so disconnected to everything, but from the first chapter to the last chapter it made me feel a whole lot of nothing. I didn't feel any emotions reading this book, it felt like I was numb. I couldn't connect to the characters or the romance. I don't know if my already cold heart is even colder now, because winter is coming, but Kingpin's Foxglove couldn't even get a lukewarm response.
“When you laugh, the sun rises in your eyes,”
˗ˏˋ PLOT ˎˊ˗
Konstantin Tarkhanov (H) goes to Elena Falcone's (h) house to execute Thaddeo Falcone and all of his men. After the execution, Konstantin brings Elena back to his estate before wanting to fly Elena back to her family in Chicago. At the estate Elena gets to know all of Konstantin's close people in the Bratva. One of them is Tatiana, wife to Dimitiri one of Konstantin's enforcers, who is pregnant and very sick due to some mysterious illness. Elena strucks a deal with Konstantin: she will cure Tatiana's illness in exchange for her freedomand not returning to Chicago. All the while all over NY a serial killer is roaming free and kills women & children and then pulls their teeth out.
˗ˏˋ HEADACHES ˎˊ˗
➸ there were some things that didn't make sense to me AT ALL. Elena coming from the Italian mafia has no education in medicine or any other subjects, she was (like the rest of the women in mafia) treated like a trophy wife and SHE wants to find a cure for Tatiana??? How? Why? What? Konstantin as one of the most powerful mobster boss has literally access to the BEST DOCTORS and none of them knew what Tatiana's illness was, but then this 23 - year old girl with no no prior education walks in and can find a cure.. sounds about right
sorry, but I was doubting how Konstantin could survive that long that he didn't find it suspicious. doesn't he find it even a little bit shady that he hired the best doctors who couldn't find shit. i- i just want to understand.
Noise came out of my mouth before I could stop it. “I found the cure,” I said. “I…found the cure. I just need some ingredients…” Konstantin’s smiled widened, and he kissed me on either cheek. Heat darted through me at the contact. “Brilliant, Elena. You did what our best doctors could not.”
duudeee ~ 🥴 you can not be that naive, you're the boss of a mobster gang ffs 😭
➸ at one point something happens where they need a cure, but can't go to the hospital and Elena volunteers to make that complicated cure and again I'm like ?????? are you some hidden genius? this is basically the same thing I criticise in the point before, but I'm so baffled. that's some complicated cure doctors need days to mix and Elena just learns everything in one night girl the flex okay 🤚seriously I love that Elena is not the typical mafia trophy wife and has some brain. I'm applauding Bree Porter for going that route, it was about time that women in the famiglia are more than a machine to breed. But the whole transition from being this trophy wife to a science geek/genius was not believable to me.
➸ the plot couldn't be more anticlimactic & predictable. 😬 reading maybe three chapters and it's sooo obvious who the villain of the story is and that Elena is the only one who can see it, no words. The way the "twist" was revealed was lowkey pointless, cause Elena is giving huge obvious hints throughout the book and you're just waiting for her to tell Konstantin and when it happened it was like "yo finally, why are y'all acting so surprise". As this book was more focused on the plot, it shouldn't be so predictable. The only thing that was a bit surprising was maybe the epilogue and the book ends in a huge cliffhanger.
˗ˏˋ THE RUSSIAN GENTLEMAN ˎˊ˗
“But I was always taught to aid a lady in dangerous heels. Especially ones as beautiful as yourself.” “You only help beautiful women? Ground breaking.” Konstantin actually laughed. “Aren’t all women beautiful, Elena?”
some of Konstantin's actions were questionable and I don't mean the killing type of actions. One moment he can be the ruthless killer who chocked his father with a tie when he was 15 year old, but other time Konstantin exude so much big-idiot-energy that I don't know how he could survive this long 🥴 but it was still refreshing to see that a mobster boss can be so respectful towards woman and doesn't see them as sex toys and liabilities to only protect.
˗ˏˋ THE COMIC RELIEF ˎˊ˗
“I would do anything for Kostya,” he said. “He is the Pakhan of the century. Shit, of the millennium. He will lead the Bratva into a new age.” I scowled. “You sound like you’re part of a cult.”
Roman is the best character in the whole book fight me. Roman is the annoying little brother. Roman and Elena were bickering like siblings and it was glorious. If Danika and Roman would get their own book, I'd read it.
While Kingpin's Foxglove wasn't the 5 star read I hoped it would be, I would recommend it to everyone who wants some The Maddest Obsession vibes.
May 10, 2021
3 🤔🤔🤔⭐️s
I was anticipating so much for this mafia duet to be completed so I could start reading it!!
Bree Porter has made her own mark in this category. Her heroines are strong, independent, determined, cunning, and powerful. They don’t give in and do not submit!
While I liked the plot and most of the main and secondary characters, some things were not delivered adeptly.
Elena was able to cure people, when she didn’t have academic medical knowledge!
Within a week she could read and understand the Russian language, out of reading a few Russian fairytales!
In addition, the romance was lacking and Konstantin and Elena’s love was not convincing. Elena had a peculiar personality that didn’t assist in connecting with her.
I wasn’t as thrilled as I expected to, however this part ended with a cliffhanger and I will definitely read the next and last one!
Buddy read with Tzelina and Amy Kay
I was anticipating so much for this mafia duet to be completed so I could start reading it!!
Bree Porter has made her own mark in this category. Her heroines are strong, independent, determined, cunning, and powerful. They don’t give in and do not submit!
While I liked the plot and most of the main and secondary characters, some things were not delivered adeptly.
Elena was able to cure people, when she didn’t have academic medical knowledge!
Within a week she could read and understand the Russian language, out of reading a few Russian fairytales!
In addition, the romance was lacking and Konstantin and Elena’s love was not convincing. Elena had a peculiar personality that didn’t assist in connecting with her.
I wasn’t as thrilled as I expected to, however this part ended with a cliffhanger and I will definitely read the next and last one!
Buddy read with Tzelina and Amy Kay
November 8, 2020
4.5 stars
easily the best new release i've read in MONTHS. i feel like i need to start going into these anticipated releases with little to no expectations because this was the first new releases in months that i have truly enjoyed! we see very small glimpses of konstantin and elena's characters in the rocchetti dynasty trilogy — just enough to get an idea of their character. i liked this approach better than throwing crumbs of their relationship in the previous series because tarkhanov empire is meant to be a standalone series so it only makes sense than elena and konstantin's true start occurs in this book.
❝ 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.
𝐢 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞. ❞
mafia genre books these days tend to blend into one another, it's such an oversaturated genre, but kingpin's foxglove felt like i was reading a fresh book with a fresh world and cast of characters. this is is very different from rocchetti dynasty and i like how the POVs of elena and kon are distinct from sophia. i love how they're both intellectuals and elena's passion for science and her quirks such as drawing and scribbling on her skin help define her character. konstantin's love for his family was so sweet and i loved the scenes with his pets. the supporting characters were all great without overtaking the story, and the plot twist at the end was shocking. the setup for book 2 in the epilogue is AMAZING and i have a feeling i'm going to love it even more than this one.
𝙖𝙧𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
easily the best new release i've read in MONTHS. i feel like i need to start going into these anticipated releases with little to no expectations because this was the first new releases in months that i have truly enjoyed! we see very small glimpses of konstantin and elena's characters in the rocchetti dynasty trilogy — just enough to get an idea of their character. i liked this approach better than throwing crumbs of their relationship in the previous series because tarkhanov empire is meant to be a standalone series so it only makes sense than elena and konstantin's true start occurs in this book.
❝ 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.
𝐢 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞. ❞
mafia genre books these days tend to blend into one another, it's such an oversaturated genre, but kingpin's foxglove felt like i was reading a fresh book with a fresh world and cast of characters. this is is very different from rocchetti dynasty and i like how the POVs of elena and kon are distinct from sophia. i love how they're both intellectuals and elena's passion for science and her quirks such as drawing and scribbling on her skin help define her character. konstantin's love for his family was so sweet and i loved the scenes with his pets. the supporting characters were all great without overtaking the story, and the plot twist at the end was shocking. the setup for book 2 in the epilogue is AMAZING and i have a feeling i'm going to love it even more than this one.
𝙖𝙧𝙘 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
November 12, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ four stars
The characters were fascinating. Elena is such a strong, powerful woman. I love how Porter always makes her heroines like this, but not overly so. Many times “strong” heroines are more hard-headed and borderline stupid. Porter has such a perfect balance.
I liked the relationships between more minor characters and major characters. Each was detailed and realistic.
However, this just couldn’t compare to the Rocchetti dynasty, but I am excited to see what this series has in store.
Overall, would recommend!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
The characters were fascinating. Elena is such a strong, powerful woman. I love how Porter always makes her heroines like this, but not overly so. Many times “strong” heroines are more hard-headed and borderline stupid. Porter has such a perfect balance.
I liked the relationships between more minor characters and major characters. Each was detailed and realistic.
However, this just couldn’t compare to the Rocchetti dynasty, but I am excited to see what this series has in store.
Overall, would recommend!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
November 13, 2020
Kingpin’sFoxglove is what I always look for in a Mafia Romance. This is the first book I have read from Bree Porter, and I was pleasantly surprised. I never judge a book by it’s cover. But the cover is absolutely gorgeous, and the insides match the outside.
Elena is everything in a heroine that I look for. She is fierce, badass, and brilliant. Some may think she is cold, selfish, aloof, along with mysterious, and they are right. She is all of those. As the story unfolds, we start to see each layer of Elena and how she became the woman she is today.
Konstantine is a King. He is not your ordinary Kingpin. He is ruthless with his enemies, along with treating women with such high respect. He loves the family that he has made. Oh, and so handsome.
Kingpin’s Foxglove has an Alpha male, fierce heroine, suspense, witty banter, sexual chemistry, and betrayal. I had some suspicions on certain characters and events, but what happened, I didn’t see coming. Plus, some of my suspicions were wrong. To say I was captived from the start is an understatement. I read the book in one sitting and fell in love with Bree Porter's writing. That's ending left me wanting more, and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I just want to add that bathhouse scene; I wanted to be a fly on the wall. It was so freaking hot. Plus, I hope Roman gets his own book. Just love him.
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.
Elena is everything in a heroine that I look for. She is fierce, badass, and brilliant. Some may think she is cold, selfish, aloof, along with mysterious, and they are right. She is all of those. As the story unfolds, we start to see each layer of Elena and how she became the woman she is today.
Konstantine is a King. He is not your ordinary Kingpin. He is ruthless with his enemies, along with treating women with such high respect. He loves the family that he has made. Oh, and so handsome.
Kingpin’s Foxglove has an Alpha male, fierce heroine, suspense, witty banter, sexual chemistry, and betrayal. I had some suspicions on certain characters and events, but what happened, I didn’t see coming. Plus, some of my suspicions were wrong. To say I was captived from the start is an understatement. I read the book in one sitting and fell in love with Bree Porter's writing. That's ending left me wanting more, and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I just want to add that bathhouse scene; I wanted to be a fly on the wall. It was so freaking hot. Plus, I hope Roman gets his own book. Just love him.
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 23, 2021
5⭐️
this was one of the best mafia books i've read so far. god i was so hooked i keep replaying all the scenes.
the plot was so fucking good i mean woah it even had me fucking fooled. KONSTANTIN is my new book boyfriend. fucking hell he's so fucking hot and cheeky.
i barely read russian mafia (why idk im fucking russian) but fuck this was so good. i am at a loss of words.
elena is the definition of a strong and independent girl. she's so fucking smart that now i wanna be a scientist. the romance is such a slowburn and that ending fucking HURT. i need to read the squeal like right fucking now or i might pass out.
kostya will literally kill the dead all over again for elena. they are soulmates and idc about anyone's opinions.
update:
i just started crying out of nowhere because of this book. bye.
“When you laugh, the sun rises in your eyes,”
this was one of the best mafia books i've read so far. god i was so hooked i keep replaying all the scenes.
the plot was so fucking good i mean woah it even had me fucking fooled. KONSTANTIN is my new book boyfriend. fucking hell he's so fucking hot and cheeky.
i barely read russian mafia (why idk im fucking russian) but fuck this was so good. i am at a loss of words.
elena is the definition of a strong and independent girl. she's so fucking smart that now i wanna be a scientist. the romance is such a slowburn and that ending fucking HURT. i need to read the squeal like right fucking now or i might pass out.
kostya will literally kill the dead all over again for elena. they are soulmates and idc about anyone's opinions.
update:
i just started crying out of nowhere because of this book. bye.
Want to read
May 10, 2021I've seen this book all over bookstagram, so I definitely plan on giving it a go when I'm in the mood for mafia romance.
Pre-read thoughs regarding the cover (I haven't seen anyone mention this), as a person born and raised in a country whose official language uses the Cyrillic script. No hate to the author.
The way the title in the cover is spelled with letters from the Cyrillic script is incorrect and that's one Internet search away, an easily avoidable mistake, I cringe anytime I see the title used in edits, etc.
I wish authors would do more research when they make languages that use a different script a big part of their stories. Going for the most "aesthetic" & close in looks letter isn't a good idea, because 90% of the time they don't sound or are read the same as the letter you substitute from English.
First, these are the letters from the Russian alphabet:
И: That's NOT a different way to spell N. The Cyrillic letter И is read as /i/, / ʲi/, or /ɨ/. So writing Kingpin as Kiиpiи is like writing Kiigpii.
Ж: Ж isn't a more aesthetic version of X. It's meant to be read and prounonced as zh, ž. So Foxglove won't be spelled Foжglove.
How the title's N & X should have been substituted correctly, using letters from the Russian alphabet:
N= Н н (/n/ or /nʲ/); for example: нашъ [naʂ]
X= a combination of К к (/k/ or /kʲ/)+ С с (/s/ or /sʲ/) = кс
The whole title written completely with the correct Cyrillic letters (based on how it sounds when it's pronounced in English):
Кингпин'с Фоксглоув.
The same goes for the cover of book 2 (Empяess of Poisoиs): the usage of Я and И is incorrect:
Я: Not a mirrored version of R. Я is read/prounonced as /ja/.
R= Р р (/r/ or /rʲ/)
I'm happy authors are interested in incorporating different languages in their books (especially when it's ones using the Cyrillic script), but please do some research on how it all works. I hope Kingpin's Foxglove has good representation of the Russian language in the story itself. Looking forward to reading it.
Pre-read thoughs regarding the cover (I haven't seen anyone mention this), as a person born and raised in a country whose official language uses the Cyrillic script. No hate to the author.
The way the title in the cover is spelled with letters from the Cyrillic script is incorrect and that's one Internet search away, an easily avoidable mistake, I cringe anytime I see the title used in edits, etc.
I wish authors would do more research when they make languages that use a different script a big part of their stories. Going for the most "aesthetic" & close in looks letter isn't a good idea, because 90% of the time they don't sound or are read the same as the letter you substitute from English.
First, these are the letters from the Russian alphabet:
И: That's NOT a different way to spell N. The Cyrillic letter И is read as /i/, / ʲi/, or /ɨ/. So writing Kingpin as Kiиpiи is like writing Kiigpii.
Ж: Ж isn't a more aesthetic version of X. It's meant to be read and prounonced as zh, ž. So Foxglove won't be spelled Foжglove.
How the title's N & X should have been substituted correctly, using letters from the Russian alphabet:
N= Н н (/n/ or /nʲ/); for example: нашъ [naʂ]
X= a combination of К к (/k/ or /kʲ/)+ С с (/s/ or /sʲ/) = кс
The whole title written completely with the correct Cyrillic letters (based on how it sounds when it's pronounced in English):
Кингпин'с Фоксглоув.
The same goes for the cover of book 2 (Empяess of Poisoиs): the usage of Я and И is incorrect:
Я: Not a mirrored version of R. Я is read/prounonced as /ja/.
R= Р р (/r/ or /rʲ/)
I'm happy authors are interested in incorporating different languages in their books (especially when it's ones using the Cyrillic script), but please do some research on how it all works. I hope Kingpin's Foxglove has good representation of the Russian language in the story itself. Looking forward to reading it.
March 5, 2022
„When you laugh, the sun rises in your eyes.”
Kingpin’s Foxglove is the first book of the Tarkhanov Empire duet.
It follows Elena Falcone, whose husband gets killed by Konstantin Tarkhanov, who is the Pakhan of the Tarkhanov bratva. He gives Elena a choice to cure his friend’s wife in exchange for her freedom or otherwise he sends her back to her family.
It was a long time since I read a mafia book and because I heard a lot of good things about this duet I was excited to start it.
I loved that unlike in most mafia books the FMC was not a frightened naive girl but someone who wasn’t afraid to talk back. I liked that Elena stood on her own feet and didn’t let others to control her.
And meanwhile Konstantin was a cruel boss and pakhan, he was a polite gentleman towards Elena and his family. He didn’t try to maniacally persuade her for sex like the other mafia men in most of the similar books I have read.
But despite the fact that I like slow burns, it was.. well, too slow for me. The tension was there but still not as intense to scream when they finally touched.
I was also annoyed that they believed, someone with no experience and no official medical knowledge can cure someone whom no other doctors could.
I liked the dual pov and I actually didn’t guess who the betrayer was until Elena revealed it in her thoughts.
The book ends with a cliffhanger so I will definitelly read the next one but I don’t have high expectations.
Overall It was not bad but not entirely good either.
Kingpin’s Foxglove is the first book of the Tarkhanov Empire duet.
It follows Elena Falcone, whose husband gets killed by Konstantin Tarkhanov, who is the Pakhan of the Tarkhanov bratva. He gives Elena a choice to cure his friend’s wife in exchange for her freedom or otherwise he sends her back to her family.
It was a long time since I read a mafia book and because I heard a lot of good things about this duet I was excited to start it.
I loved that unlike in most mafia books the FMC was not a frightened naive girl but someone who wasn’t afraid to talk back. I liked that Elena stood on her own feet and didn’t let others to control her.
And meanwhile Konstantin was a cruel boss and pakhan, he was a polite gentleman towards Elena and his family. He didn’t try to maniacally persuade her for sex like the other mafia men in most of the similar books I have read.
But despite the fact that I like slow burns, it was.. well, too slow for me. The tension was there but still not as intense to scream when they finally touched.
I was also annoyed that they believed, someone with no experience and no official medical knowledge can cure someone whom no other doctors could.
I liked the dual pov and I actually didn’t guess who the betrayer was until Elena revealed it in her thoughts.
The book ends with a cliffhanger so I will definitelly read the next one but I don’t have high expectations.
Overall It was not bad but not entirely good either.
December 12, 2022
4.25 STARS
“It was time to build my empire, to fulfil my ambitions.
I only hoped she decided to join me.”
Elena Falcone and Konstantin Tarkhanov have to be one of my favorite couples I got to know this year, and they also can gain the prize of the one couple that had broken my heart in the same intensity they made me happy.
The story is very captivating and, even though the plot twist occurred to be pretty obvious for me, it still worked very well. But what I liked the most about this book is the characters. I instantly loved Elena once I got to know her—she’s everything; she’s fierce, strong, determined and intelligent. And Kon, he’s intense, a ruthless and powerful mafia boss. She wanted freedom; he wanted his kingdom to keep growing and to protect his family. They did want very different things, but as they got to know each other better, they had found a way to match.
Their romance between the protagonists was very slow burn, and since there's a second book not much happened, but Bree really made us feel the chemistry between them. And I just wish the transaction of Elena’s feeling towards Kon was smoother, but besides that, I’ve got nothing to complain about.
And I can't not mention how much I’d loved the secondary characters of this book, especially Danika and Roman. This book opened more and more doors to a world we’ve been knowing since The Rocchetti Dynasty and I am very excited to read all the books Bree has planned on it.
“It was time to build my empire, to fulfil my ambitions.
I only hoped she decided to join me.”
Elena Falcone and Konstantin Tarkhanov have to be one of my favorite couples I got to know this year, and they also can gain the prize of the one couple that had broken my heart in the same intensity they made me happy.
The story is very captivating and, even though the plot twist occurred to be pretty obvious for me, it still worked very well. But what I liked the most about this book is the characters. I instantly loved Elena once I got to know her—she’s everything; she’s fierce, strong, determined and intelligent. And Kon, he’s intense, a ruthless and powerful mafia boss. She wanted freedom; he wanted his kingdom to keep growing and to protect his family. They did want very different things, but as they got to know each other better, they had found a way to match.
Their romance between the protagonists was very slow burn, and since there's a second book not much happened, but Bree really made us feel the chemistry between them. And I just wish the transaction of Elena’s feeling towards Kon was smoother, but besides that, I’ve got nothing to complain about.
And I can't not mention how much I’d loved the secondary characters of this book, especially Danika and Roman. This book opened more and more doors to a world we’ve been knowing since The Rocchetti Dynasty and I am very excited to read all the books Bree has planned on it.
December 27, 2020
This reading was great! But I thought the Male character was too kind for my taste🤷🏻♀️
It’s worth the reading!
It’s worth the reading!
February 4, 2021
Everything you do is about your future, Konstantin. You were born with more ambition than God.”
4.5 stars⭐️
One of my fav mafia book I’ve ever read! I loved this book to pieces,okay?
1. I loved Elena and Konstantin relationship🥰
2. I loved the way that author showed that Konsta was cold but not to his family! It was as if he was another man when it came to his family.
3. I loved his relationship with Natasha which was his niece.
4. I loved the banters between Roman and Danika.
5. I loved how the author portrayed Elena as a bad-ass bitch, i loved it sm!
The only thing i hated was now that i will have to wait for the next book cause wtf was that cliffhanger😭😭
“I have done horrific things as well,” he replied. “But I know you, Elena. I know every single part of you. All your intelligence and sarcasm, I know and love. Do you not compare me to those who have turned you away—I am not one of them”
4.5 stars⭐️
One of my fav mafia book I’ve ever read! I loved this book to pieces,okay?
1. I loved Elena and Konstantin relationship🥰
2. I loved the way that author showed that Konsta was cold but not to his family! It was as if he was another man when it came to his family.
3. I loved his relationship with Natasha which was his niece.
4. I loved the banters between Roman and Danika.
5. I loved how the author portrayed Elena as a bad-ass bitch, i loved it sm!
The only thing i hated was now that i will have to wait for the next book cause wtf was that cliffhanger😭😭
“I have done horrific things as well,” he replied. “But I know you, Elena. I know every single part of you. All your intelligence and sarcasm, I know and love. Do you not compare me to those who have turned you away—I am not one of them”
December 31, 2020
“When you laugh, the sun rises in your eyes.”
Kingpin's Foxglove is probably the best mafia romance I've ever read! It's not my favorite genre when it comes to romance, but this book was so good from start to finish and it's definitely one of my favorite reads from 2020. Also, can we talk about this gorgeous cover and unique title?!?!?
The plot was very interesting and captivating and even if it was easy to guess the identity of the murderer, I still enjoyed it a lot. But what I like best about this book was the characters! I instantly loved Elena and how fierce and brilliant she was throughout the whole story. She wanted freedom, but became more and more attached to Konstantin and his unique family. As for Konstantin, he was also a very interesting character. Respectful towards his family and Elena, but also a ruthless and powerful mafia boss. Again not something very common in mafia romance.
The romance between Elena and Konstantin was very VERY slow burn and since there is a second book coming not much happened but the chemistry and mutual pinning was definitely present! The way Konstantin has been obsessively in love with Elena for so long, wanted to marry her and did what he did for her/to be with her!!!!!!!!! I'M IN LOVE <3
I also really liked the secondary characters, especially Danika and Roman!! Hopefully, they'll have their book because I'm very interested in their story. What I like about Bree Porter is the way she writes her female characters. They are very intelligent, cunning and strong, but are also involved in the mafia world like Danika or Sophia in the Rocchetti Dynasty series. They aren't only wives or mothers, but are in positions of power in the mafia and it's something that I appreciate a lot.
Overall, I absolutely loved Kingpin's Foxglove and from the characters to the story in general, everything was awesome. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The cliffhanger at the end and the epilogue got me so excited for the next book and I'm glad it's coming out in a few weeks because I'm very impatient to know what’s going to happen next with Elena and Konstantin.
dnf
October 21, 2021As someone who is fluent in Russian, the use of Cyrillic in this just annoyed me.
What the fuck is "Kiigpii's Fozhglove", what is a "Ryaologue", what the actual fuck is a "Sndrteya oie" or "Sndrteya Tscho"?
I beg authors to just spell Prologue and Chapter One/Two etc. and their goddamn book titles normally and not use a different alphabet for the aesthetic✨ cause it's not as cool and edgy as they might think and actually kinda embarrassing.
If you want to be cool and unique (I guess) just spell it completely in Russian. It's "Пролог" and "Глава первая/вторая" etc. You're welcome.
This also made me realize that I don't like Mafia romances. They are just never as good as I think they will be.
Anyway.
Dnf at 28%
---
Ah yes, my favourite book "Kiigpii's Fozhglove"
What the fuck is "Kiigpii's Fozhglove", what is a "Ryaologue", what the actual fuck is a "Sndrteya oie" or "Sndrteya Tscho"?
I beg authors to just spell Prologue and Chapter One/Two etc. and their goddamn book titles normally and not use a different alphabet for the aesthetic✨ cause it's not as cool and edgy as they might think and actually kinda embarrassing.
If you want to be cool and unique (I guess) just spell it completely in Russian. It's "Пролог" and "Глава первая/вторая" etc. You're welcome.
This also made me realize that I don't like Mafia romances. They are just never as good as I think they will be.
Anyway.
Dnf at 28%
---
Ah yes, my favourite book "Kiigpii's Fozhglove"
April 13, 2021
4.75 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
In fucking loveeee!!!
I need the second book asap!!!
Review: I am going to keep this short and simple. I fucking love this book. Something about it just made it soo good. Elena was a whole ass mood and Konstantin was just hot 🔥🥵 They are perfect for each other. I really can't wait for the second book bc damn it with that cliffhanger. You should definitely give it a read.
P.S I am trying long nails for a while and typing is taking forever that is why the review is so short 😂 sorry!
In fucking loveeee!!!
I need the second book asap!!!
Review: I am going to keep this short and simple. I fucking love this book. Something about it just made it soo good. Elena was a whole ass mood and Konstantin was just hot 🔥🥵 They are perfect for each other. I really can't wait for the second book bc damn it with that cliffhanger. You should definitely give it a read.
P.S I am trying long nails for a while and typing is taking forever that is why the review is so short 😂 sorry!
January 20, 2021
This was so good. Loved the mafia aspects and the slow-burn. Even if the villain was predictable and what was happening, it keeps us entertained and doesn’t demolish our excitement to finally reach the climax.
Elena is definitely different from the other female characters I have read. She’s cold, detached and aloof which are details we see on male characters instead and it just made her more interesting.
I just wanted the transaction of feelings from Elena to Kon to be smoother. I can’t exactly say when she started to want him, to like him. Felt like she just did which maybe wouldn’t be off if her character wasn’t so different. Maybe more time of them together to form their bond would’ve been good, because while it was a slow burn, the author also focused a lot on the plot and build the suspense, also on the secondary characters.
Nonetheless, it’s an amazing book and serves as introduction to other possible books for other characters and opens doors to build a bigger mafia world and explore more possibilities.
Elena is definitely different from the other female characters I have read. She’s cold, detached and aloof which are details we see on male characters instead and it just made her more interesting.
I just wanted the transaction of feelings from Elena to Kon to be smoother. I can’t exactly say when she started to want him, to like him. Felt like she just did which maybe wouldn’t be off if her character wasn’t so different. Maybe more time of them together to form their bond would’ve been good, because while it was a slow burn, the author also focused a lot on the plot and build the suspense, also on the secondary characters.
Nonetheless, it’s an amazing book and serves as introduction to other possible books for other characters and opens doors to build a bigger mafia world and explore more possibilities.
September 10, 2021
4 star read
This was sooo good. A great start to the series. I need to get the next book after that epilogue.
This was sooo good. A great start to the series. I need to get the next book after that epilogue.
January 5, 2023
This was a really fun read. I was looking for Dark Verse series vibes and this book definitely delivered. I just wish that the storyline and characters were a bit more fleshed out; I feel like this couple's duology would have benefitted from being a trilogy instead. Still, great for a fun yet thrilling read! I've already started the next book and am looking forward to seeing where things go.
my carrd ❦
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
my carrd ❦
November 15, 2020
This is my first Bree Porter book and I have to say I made it to the end because I fell in love with the characters. The plot was fine and although I enjoyed it, it was too predictable.
Basically Konstantin has been in love with Elena since before he met her and now the opportunity to make his move has finally presented itself; she has to heal a member of his family who has no diagnosis and thus win her freedom, but on the way Elena fell in love not only with Konstastin but with this entire dysfunctional family, finding herself at a crossroads when the traitor seems to live under the same roof. So this has a bit of a found family trope too.
The plot was interesting at the beginning −if not a bit absurd−, but it had me enough to carry it on, but I guessed the plot twist and the ending before it happened because the hints were too obvious, so after a while the story felt a bit dragged on because I was just waiting for the big reveal to come. I don't mind how it ended anyway because I happen to love THAT trope, and also this means that they're gonna serve second chance romance A.K.A my favorite trope, so whatever.
Now my favorite part was the characters, and I mean EVERY ONE OF THEM, including the one who broke my heart with her secret agenda. I loved how each one had their own super marked personality and their contributions to history, but especially Roksana and Artyom stole my heart and I hope we can have their story too. Also, I love how the idea of the woman in the mafia as a trophy wife is being left behind and the authors are giving them a preponderant role. This dynamic reminded me a bit of "Lord of London Town", which also has a woman in positions of power and I wish we could see more of that.
As for the main characters, I liked each of them separately but the romance didn't do much for me. I loved Elena with her unique and challenging personality, how Konstantin lived up to his nickname of "gentleman" and how he switched from this gentleman to a ruthless mafia boss so easily, and also the chasing that these two served with Elena avoiding him and rejecting his advances until she could no longer deny her feelings and Kon going straight for them, but it was TOO SLOW for me.
Overall that ending left me looking forward to the next installment, so here I am... waiting patiently...
P.S. I bet whatever you want that when they meet again, Konstantin will already have Elena and Nikolai's name tattooed on him.
Basically Konstantin has been in love with Elena since before he met her and now the opportunity to make his move has finally presented itself; she has to heal a member of his family who has no diagnosis and thus win her freedom, but on the way Elena fell in love not only with Konstastin but with this entire dysfunctional family, finding herself at a crossroads when the traitor seems to live under the same roof. So this has a bit of a found family trope too.
The plot was interesting at the beginning −if not a bit absurd−, but it had me enough to carry it on, but I guessed the plot twist and the ending before it happened because the hints were too obvious, so after a while the story felt a bit dragged on because I was just waiting for the big reveal to come. I don't mind how it ended anyway because I happen to love THAT trope, and also this means that they're gonna serve second chance romance A.K.A my favorite trope, so whatever.
Now my favorite part was the characters, and I mean EVERY ONE OF THEM, including the one who broke my heart with her secret agenda. I loved how each one had their own super marked personality and their contributions to history, but especially Roksana and Artyom stole my heart and I hope we can have their story too. Also, I love how the idea of the woman in the mafia as a trophy wife is being left behind and the authors are giving them a preponderant role. This dynamic reminded me a bit of "Lord of London Town", which also has a woman in positions of power and I wish we could see more of that.
As for the main characters, I liked each of them separately but the romance didn't do much for me. I loved Elena with her unique and challenging personality, how Konstantin lived up to his nickname of "gentleman" and how he switched from this gentleman to a ruthless mafia boss so easily, and also the chasing that these two served with Elena avoiding him and rejecting his advances until she could no longer deny her feelings and Kon going straight for them, but it was TOO SLOW for me.
Overall that ending left me looking forward to the next installment, so here I am... waiting patiently...
P.S. I bet whatever you want that when they meet again, Konstantin will already have Elena and Nikolai's name tattooed on him.
November 22, 2020
Note to self: STOP READING BOOKS WITH MASSIVE CLIFFHANGERS WHEN THE SEQUEL DOESN’T COME OUT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS!!!!!
A lot about this book worked for me and a few things didn’t so we’re going with a leaning towards 5 stars but realistically 4 so split the difference 4.5 stars.
This book definitely gave me Maddest Obsession vibes right from the beginning. Maybe it was because the main characters name was Elena.....
But either way I got hooked right away.
Honestly though, I didn’t get into the romance between Konstantin and Elena for a REAL long time. I think because the plot was so focused on the ~*mystery*~ of it all, I think the author forgot to truly build the tension between these two.
Mystery isn’t my fave. That sounds stupid but it just isn’t that interesting to me, especially when information the MCs know isn’t shared with the audience. I can tolerate it when everyone’s confused, but when a character keeps teasing this knowledge they have that I don’t... I start to lose interest.
This book spent a LOT of time teasing a mystery that didn’t necessarily bring the excitement that all the buildup required.
Once we found out what Elena was hiding I was waiting for... more. *SPOILERS* Like wow you killed your abusive dad and we’re planning on killing your abusive husband in a world where that’s not a huge deal. And you’re a scientist!!! OoOoooOoooo so shocking!!! 😒
Also there was a lot here where you had to suspend your disbelief to let things progress without rolling your eyes the whole time. Girl gets to walk in and “treat” Tatianna without ever explaining what’s wrong with her. And I can believe that she’s a fuckin genius. However!! In a family where she wasn’t allowed to go to college... why would she ever have access to the kind of books that would feed that genius intellect to the point of being a first class scientist??
That being said, once the MCs got together and Konstantine revealed he fell in love with Elena’s brain from afar 🥺 and pined from afar 🥺 yeah bitch i gobbled that shit up.
I hate cliffhangers and I hate miscommunication self sacrifice so I wasn’t too happy at the ending. And I anticipate the next book being all about Konstantine not trusting her, being pissed she ran with a baby he didn’t know about, and her pretending to not love him for “safety” purposes.
Whatever man. Not looking forward to that and yet I’m dying to read it!!!! Gimme now!!!!!!
A lot about this book worked for me and a few things didn’t so we’re going with a leaning towards 5 stars but realistically 4 so split the difference 4.5 stars.
This book definitely gave me Maddest Obsession vibes right from the beginning. Maybe it was because the main characters name was Elena.....
But either way I got hooked right away.
Honestly though, I didn’t get into the romance between Konstantin and Elena for a REAL long time. I think because the plot was so focused on the ~*mystery*~ of it all, I think the author forgot to truly build the tension between these two.
Mystery isn’t my fave. That sounds stupid but it just isn’t that interesting to me, especially when information the MCs know isn’t shared with the audience. I can tolerate it when everyone’s confused, but when a character keeps teasing this knowledge they have that I don’t... I start to lose interest.
This book spent a LOT of time teasing a mystery that didn’t necessarily bring the excitement that all the buildup required.
Once we found out what Elena was hiding I was waiting for... more. *SPOILERS* Like wow you killed your abusive dad and we’re planning on killing your abusive husband in a world where that’s not a huge deal. And you’re a scientist!!! OoOoooOoooo so shocking!!! 😒
Also there was a lot here where you had to suspend your disbelief to let things progress without rolling your eyes the whole time. Girl gets to walk in and “treat” Tatianna without ever explaining what’s wrong with her. And I can believe that she’s a fuckin genius. However!! In a family where she wasn’t allowed to go to college... why would she ever have access to the kind of books that would feed that genius intellect to the point of being a first class scientist??
That being said, once the MCs got together and Konstantine revealed he fell in love with Elena’s brain from afar 🥺 and pined from afar 🥺 yeah bitch i gobbled that shit up.
I hate cliffhangers and I hate miscommunication self sacrifice so I wasn’t too happy at the ending. And I anticipate the next book being all about Konstantine not trusting her, being pissed she ran with a baby he didn’t know about, and her pretending to not love him for “safety” purposes.
Whatever man. Not looking forward to that and yet I’m dying to read it!!!! Gimme now!!!!!!
January 29, 2024
5⭐️
rr #3 and konelena have me in love every-time.
Konstantin is a such a refreshing MC in the mafia. my russian gentlemen. I adore him to pieces. the way he always treated elena as his equal. not just her but also everyone around him despite being the pakhan. he’s such a family man and it’s one of my favorite things about him. All his thoughts of elena were just perfection. his charisma and charms does wonders to me. kon willing to give up his entire life for elena 🫶🏽
Elena a woman in stem! how could I not love her. she’s such a boss lady. She knows what she wants and will always go after it. her love for plants and nature is everything. I loved how she matched kon every step of the way never backing down. my forest fairy!
the found family in this warms my heart. roman and elena’s relationship is my absolute favorite. roksana, danika, artyom, anton, dimitri, babushka all of them such family 🫂
romandani crumbs just so buzzy. need them soon!
konelena are such an underrated couple and I adore them so much. one of the best mafia romance. gf who glares x bf who smirks will always do it! 💚
“when you laugh, the sun rises in your eyes” 💚
rr #3 and konelena have me in love every-time.
Konstantin is a such a refreshing MC in the mafia. my russian gentlemen. I adore him to pieces. the way he always treated elena as his equal. not just her but also everyone around him despite being the pakhan. he’s such a family man and it’s one of my favorite things about him. All his thoughts of elena were just perfection. his charisma and charms does wonders to me. kon willing to give up his entire life for elena 🫶🏽
Elena a woman in stem! how could I not love her. she’s such a boss lady. She knows what she wants and will always go after it. her love for plants and nature is everything. I loved how she matched kon every step of the way never backing down. my forest fairy!
the found family in this warms my heart. roman and elena’s relationship is my absolute favorite. roksana, danika, artyom, anton, dimitri, babushka all of them such family 🫂
romandani crumbs just so buzzy. need them soon!
konelena are such an underrated couple and I adore them so much. one of the best mafia romance. gf who glares x bf who smirks will always do it! 💚
“when you laugh, the sun rises in your eyes” 💚
November 20, 2020
3.5☆? The romance was good, i mean, the hero not an asshole and the heroine is not a pathetic widow. I really want to give this book 4 star. BUT, Elena became a "healer" makes no sense and weird. She has no formal education and no medical degree but can cure someone which is even doctor can't cure that person. Thats really bothered me to read. And also, the first time they 'together' its so awkward for me to read cuz its so funny, they doing it in the nature or wood i didn't remember but the way the author wrote the end was so funny "I screamed. Birds flew from their branches, insects grew silent. The noise lifted high, alerting anyone where we were." DAMN WE LOVE WILD NATURE DON'T WE.
December 31, 2020
"When you laugh, the sun rises in your eyes."
Kingpin’s Foxglove is the first book in The Tarkhanov Empire series. This mafia world is set in the same world as The Rochetti Dynasty trilogy (which I also loved). I was recommended this book by one of my dearest friends and I didn't expect to love it so much?? Like I AM DYING. I seriously cannot wait to read the second book!
The cover alone is absolutely gorgeous but the story is sexy, dark, and delightful. Elena should be used as an ideal example of what a heroine should be. She is badass, strong, and absolutely brilliant (not in the annoying fake way that we see in so many novels). She is fierce and she is unapologetic, yet she is still able to love and show empathy. She truly is a one-of-a-kind character.
Konstantine is such an interesting character. He's not presented as an overbearing asshole alpha male but rather a king, one who can be kind but still ruthless and fearless. He is unlike many mafia MCs I've read. He knows when to be secretive, to be patient, to bide his time until he strikes. I fell in love with his wit and romantic words.
This book left my heart pounding and I was aching for more. I never wanted the story to end. The storytelling is so incredible, it completely draws you in with all the suspense, betrayals, and romance. I loved Elena and Konstantine from the moment they met and I found myself becoming very attached to the secondary characters too.
Bree Porter's writing is something very special. Her world-building is unlike anything I have ever seen (especially mafia stories- ahem ahem authors out there, y'all better take some serious notes). Her strong female characters are the highlight of every story she tells. Her author craft is so unique and authentic. I can easily say that this is one of the best books I have read in 2020 and just one of the best books I've ever read in general. I cannot recommend this book enough! If you have even the tiniest inkling about whether or not you should pick up this book, please do because you will not regret it!
-------
omg??? this is easily one of the best best best best books i’ve read in 2020 (and just like ever). full review to come, im speechless like my heart is pounding so fast. im so amazed im obsessed seriously
Kingpin’s Foxglove is the first book in The Tarkhanov Empire series. This mafia world is set in the same world as The Rochetti Dynasty trilogy (which I also loved). I was recommended this book by one of my dearest friends and I didn't expect to love it so much?? Like I AM DYING. I seriously cannot wait to read the second book!
The cover alone is absolutely gorgeous but the story is sexy, dark, and delightful. Elena should be used as an ideal example of what a heroine should be. She is badass, strong, and absolutely brilliant (not in the annoying fake way that we see in so many novels). She is fierce and she is unapologetic, yet she is still able to love and show empathy. She truly is a one-of-a-kind character.
Konstantine is such an interesting character. He's not presented as an overbearing asshole alpha male but rather a king, one who can be kind but still ruthless and fearless. He is unlike many mafia MCs I've read. He knows when to be secretive, to be patient, to bide his time until he strikes. I fell in love with his wit and romantic words.
This book left my heart pounding and I was aching for more. I never wanted the story to end. The storytelling is so incredible, it completely draws you in with all the suspense, betrayals, and romance. I loved Elena and Konstantine from the moment they met and I found myself becoming very attached to the secondary characters too.
Bree Porter's writing is something very special. Her world-building is unlike anything I have ever seen (especially mafia stories- ahem ahem authors out there, y'all better take some serious notes). Her strong female characters are the highlight of every story she tells. Her author craft is so unique and authentic. I can easily say that this is one of the best books I have read in 2020 and just one of the best books I've ever read in general. I cannot recommend this book enough! If you have even the tiniest inkling about whether or not you should pick up this book, please do because you will not regret it!
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omg??? this is easily one of the best best best best books i’ve read in 2020 (and just like ever). full review to come, im speechless like my heart is pounding so fast. im so amazed im obsessed seriously
February 4, 2023
I tried to read this book three times and this is the one I finally finished it, but if I kept not finishing it before then I already knew I wouldn't love it.
I wouldn't say this is bad, although I strongly dislike the author's writing. It's too boring, too much stuff that doesn't add up to the couple or the plot.
The romance was so.. boring (I know I keep saying it but that's the truth), where are the sparks? The author didn't even write enough scenes of Elena and Kon together to build up the tension, the feelings.. this can't be considered a mafia romance if it lacks romance, I'm sorry, KonElena HAD potential to be an amazing couple but the writing killed them, so many scenes about another mafia capos and mystery and so little of romance.
And now about the mystery, it was so predictable, so obvious.. I can't believe BP wasted her time writing it while she could be writing good ship scenes.
Now, despite my opinion of the lack of romance in this book, I do believe the second one will be better and I'll be reading it next.
I wouldn't say this is bad, although I strongly dislike the author's writing. It's too boring, too much stuff that doesn't add up to the couple or the plot.
The romance was so.. boring (I know I keep saying it but that's the truth), where are the sparks? The author didn't even write enough scenes of Elena and Kon together to build up the tension, the feelings.. this can't be considered a mafia romance if it lacks romance, I'm sorry, KonElena HAD potential to be an amazing couple but the writing killed them, so many scenes about another mafia capos and mystery and so little of romance.
And now about the mystery, it was so predictable, so obvious.. I can't believe BP wasted her time writing it while she could be writing good ship scenes.
Now, despite my opinion of the lack of romance in this book, I do believe the second one will be better and I'll be reading it next.
March 20, 2022
This is such a great read! Bookstagram or “BookIG” was right about this one! The Kingpins Foxglove is book 1 of 2 in The Tarkhanov Empire.
The book features Konstantin Tarkhanov, 30. The Pakhan of the Tarkhanov Russian Bratva and the King of Staten Island. Konstantin was only 15 when he decides to take everything he deserves and worked is way up to ascend to the throne.
Konstantin is our charismatic, sexy AF, Confident, dominant boss hero. He is utterly perfect with his soft side, especially towards our heroine Elena Falcone.
Elena, 23 and Konstantin meet under violent circumstances but their reactions and the way the plot unfolds, is unlike anything you will expect.
This is an excellent, dramatic and thrilling read that kept me engaged the entire time! I love Elena! I have never read about anyone like her. Her character is so unique. She’s brilliant, cold, sarcastic and cunning. She’s ruthless when she wants to be and an enigma, Konstantin can’t figure out.
For once in a mafia romance the hero pursues the heroine. I needed this. The entirely of Konstantin’s treatment towards Elena filled up my soul with so much love for them. The passion, chemistry and lust screams off the page. These two are one of the best power couples I have ever read! I adore the chemistry between them!! It scorches you, yet you’re unable to stop reading when you read the moments of tenderness between them.
This is a romantic suspense mafia/Bratva romance with lots of secrets. The entire book is more of a mystery. You cannot help but be glued to the words wanting to finally know how it ends!
This novel ends on a cliffhanger which is available now. I did not expect the need at all.
The book features Konstantin Tarkhanov, 30. The Pakhan of the Tarkhanov Russian Bratva and the King of Staten Island. Konstantin was only 15 when he decides to take everything he deserves and worked is way up to ascend to the throne.
Konstantin is our charismatic, sexy AF, Confident, dominant boss hero. He is utterly perfect with his soft side, especially towards our heroine Elena Falcone.
Elena, 23 and Konstantin meet under violent circumstances but their reactions and the way the plot unfolds, is unlike anything you will expect.
This is an excellent, dramatic and thrilling read that kept me engaged the entire time! I love Elena! I have never read about anyone like her. Her character is so unique. She’s brilliant, cold, sarcastic and cunning. She’s ruthless when she wants to be and an enigma, Konstantin can’t figure out.
For once in a mafia romance the hero pursues the heroine. I needed this. The entirely of Konstantin’s treatment towards Elena filled up my soul with so much love for them. The passion, chemistry and lust screams off the page. These two are one of the best power couples I have ever read! I adore the chemistry between them!! It scorches you, yet you’re unable to stop reading when you read the moments of tenderness between them.
This is a romantic suspense mafia/Bratva romance with lots of secrets. The entire book is more of a mystery. You cannot help but be glued to the words wanting to finally know how it ends!
This novel ends on a cliffhanger which is available now. I did not expect the need at all.
December 30, 2020
THIS????
March 10, 2021
i’m crying so hard
May 2, 2021
***5 stars***
I just finished this book and I have only one thing to say. Bree Porter how do you dare to make me feel things like that??? Send me the book 2 right freaking now.
"I was Konstantin Tarkhanov, son of the Tarkhanov Empire and Pakhan of Staten Island. My reign would be long, unforgettable, glorious. And bloody."
First of all, I already read a lot of mafia romance books before, but any other book hit me in the way that this one did. I still can’t believe that I had never read a Bree Porter’s book before. The way that this woman writes is so fascinating.
“When you laugh, the sun rises in your eyes.”
Konstantin and Elena, shared of an amazing chemistry. I enjoyed the fact that the author complemented the storyline with a slow burn romance, cuz we can see how the love blossom between them.
I also have to point how the side characters are a great addition to this story (I need Danika and Roman’s book in my table).
I’m sad because this book ended in a cliffhanger? Off course I am. But I loved the “mystery”. So here I am counting the days until I finally have the next one in my hands.
I just finished this book and I have only one thing to say. Bree Porter how do you dare to make me feel things like that??? Send me the book 2 right freaking now.
"I was Konstantin Tarkhanov, son of the Tarkhanov Empire and Pakhan of Staten Island. My reign would be long, unforgettable, glorious. And bloody."
First of all, I already read a lot of mafia romance books before, but any other book hit me in the way that this one did. I still can’t believe that I had never read a Bree Porter’s book before. The way that this woman writes is so fascinating.
“When you laugh, the sun rises in your eyes.”
Konstantin and Elena, shared of an amazing chemistry. I enjoyed the fact that the author complemented the storyline with a slow burn romance, cuz we can see how the love blossom between them.
I also have to point how the side characters are a great addition to this story (I need Danika and Roman’s book in my table).
I’m sad because this book ended in a cliffhanger? Off course I am. But I loved the “mystery”. So here I am counting the days until I finally have the next one in my hands.
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